Not Just Knowing

James 2:18-19

What is the relationship between the knowledge of the mind and the faith of the heart? This is another question I don't think we ask enough in the modern day American Church. Belief in Jesus must be more than the mental knowledge of the Bible. This is what James addresses is his second rhetorical question. The person making this statement isn't real, though it could have been an objection that he was expecting, so he chose to address it here. The fact that someone would claim to have faith that has no evidence in their lifestyle is possible. I would say as much time I have spent serving the Lord's in His Church, it is a very real thing. The first part of this argument relates the illustration of the belief because of the behavior. But, this is a double edged sword, because someone who does not have faith in Jesus can also do a "good" thing for someone. So, just because someone performs a helpful or merciful act for someone does not by itself mean they did it because of their relationship with Jesus! Atheists can also be faithful wives and husbands. Muslims can care for the sick and wounded. Wiccan's can serve in soup kitchens and help the homeless. Don't make the mistake of thinking that only Christians can do good works. That is just plain wrong. However, only Christians can do those same actions in order to display and share the love of Christ. An Atheist would not willingly choose to share Jesus, nor would the Muslim or the Wiccan. In the second part of our reading today, we see James addressing directly the belief in "one god". This was important because at the time, people believed in any number of God. The Greco-Roman pantheon was filled with gods and goddesses, as was many of the other cultures around the area. Judaism, from which Christianity was born believed in one and only one true God. But, as James points out, just saying that one believes that there is only one God is not enough. Even demons do that! The point again is that the beliefs of the Christian community are designed to penetrate and permeate their behaviors! We are supposed to live a lifestyle that demonstrates what we believe aside from our words. 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, I know I have failed You many times. Please help me to rid my lifestyle of things that are not in line with your desires for my life. I want to be a walking, talking, living, breathing, billboard of Your love. Lead me Lord, I am ready to follow. Amen. 

Reflection: 

Are there things you "know" about God or Christianity but you don't live out? 

Why is that? 
What are you ready to change?